Therapeutic Effect of Bilsaan, Sambucus nigra Stem Exudate, on the OVA-Induced Allergic Asthma in Mice.

Asthma is characterized by the elevated level of Th2 immune responses, oxidative stress, and airway inflammation. Bilsaan, an exudate from the stem of Sambucus nigra, has been traditionally used in the treatment of various ailments in Saudi Arabia. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of Bilsaan against ovalbumin- (OVA-) induced allergic asthma in a mouse model. In order to induce allergic asthma, mice were intraperitoneally injected with alum-emulsified-OVA (20 µg/mouse) on days 0, 14, and 21 that is followed by an intranasal OVA exposure from days 22 to 30. During this time, mice were orally administered with Bilsaan at the doses of 5, 10, and 25 mg/kg. The numbers of total and differential inflammatory cells and the levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) and IgE were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Moreover, the therapeutic effect of Bilsaan was also assessed to analyze the oxidative stress and inflammatory changes in the lung tissues. The results demonstrated that Bilsaan treatment significantly reduced the total and differential inflammatory cell count in the BALF. The BALF from the mice treated with Bilsaan showed significantly lower levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IgE. Interestingly, a similar pattern was observed in IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 secreted by OVA-sensitized splenocytes from the mice of various groups. Bilsaan treatment alleviated the status of oxidative stress by modulating malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase levels in the lung. Moreover, Bilsaan treatment reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells, thickening of alveolar wall, and congestion in the lung tissues. The findings of the present study demonstrated an antiasthmatic effect of Bilsaan through the modulation of Th2 immune responses, inflammation, and the oxidative stress.

Benefits and harms of ginseng supplementation on liver function? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Existing evidence on the possible effects of ginseng on liver function has not been fully established. Therefore, the present review was undertaken to evaluate the overall effects of ginseng supplementation on liver enzymes in adults. METHODS: A systematic computerized literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Google scholar databases was conducted up to May 2019. All RCTs using ginseng supplements in adults were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 14 randomized trials (with 20 arms) including 992 subjects were identified. Pooled analysis did not illustrate any significant changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and albumin (ALB) levels, however, it showed a minor significant increase in bilirubin (BIL) levels. Subgroup analysis by dosage and study population revealed significant increase of bilirubin after ginseng supplementation ≥3 g/day or in unhealthy individuals. CONCLUSION: Ginseng appears to have neither hepatoprotective nor hepatotoxic effects in conventional doses and duration. It is noteworthy that this seems applicable only for individuals with healthy liver function. Further largescale studies are warranted to confirm present findings.

Traditional Mongolian medicine Eerdun Wurile improves stroke recovery through regulation of gene expression in rat brain.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Eerdun Wurile (EW) is one of the key Mongolian medicines for treatment of neurological and cardiological disorders. EW is ranked most regularly used Mongolian medicine in clinic. Components of EW which mainly originate from natural products are well defined and are unique to Mongolian medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY: Although the recipe of EW contains known neuroactive chemicals originated from plants, its mechanism of action has never been elucidated at molecular level. The objective of the present study is to explore the mechanism of neuroregenerative activity of EW by focusing on the regulation of gene expression in the brain of rat model of stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) models were treated with EW for 15 days. Then, total RNAs from the cerebral cortex of rat MCAO models treated with either EW or control (saline) were extracted and analyzed by transcriptome sequencing. Differentially expressed genes were analyzed for their functions during the recovery of ischemic stroke. The expression level of significantly differentially expressed genes such as growth factors, microglia markers and secretive enzymes in the lesion was further validated by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Previously identified neuroactive compounds, such as geniposide (Yu et al., 2009), myristicin (Shin et al., 1988), costunolide (Okugawa et al., 1996), toosendanin (Shi and Chen, 1999) were detected in EW formulation. Bederson scale indicated that the treatment of rat MCAO models with EW showed significantly lowered neurological deficits (p < 0.01). The regional cerebral blood circulation was also remarkably higher in rat MCAO models treated with EW compared to the control group. A total of 186 genes were upregulated in the lesion of rat MCAO models treated with EW compared to control group. Among them, growth factors such as Igf1 (p < 0.05), Igf2 (p < 0.01), Grn (p < 0.01) were significantly upregulated in brain after treatment of rat MCAO models with EW. Meanwhile, greatly enhanced expression of microglia markers, as well as complementary components and secretive proteases were also detected. CONCLUSION: Our data collectively indicated that EW enhances expression of growth factors including Igf1 and Igf2 in neurons and microglia, and may stimulate microglia polarization in the brain. The consequences of such activity include stimulation of neuron growth, hydrolysis and clearance of cell debris at the lesion, as well as the angiogenesis.

Ling-Yang-Gou-Teng-decoction prevents vascular dementia through inhibiting oxidative stress induced neurovascular coupling dysfunction.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Vascular dementia (VaD) is the common cognitive disorder derived mainly from lacunar stroke (LS). The oxidative stress induced neurovascular coupling (NVC) dysfunction involves in the pathogenesis of VaD. Currently, there is no specific drug for VaD. Ling-Yang-Gou-Teng -Decoction (LG), a well-known traditional Chinese formula, has been used for preventing VaD in clinic. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, we aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of LG on VaD in rats. MATERIALS AND METHOD: VaD was replicated with autologous micro-thrombi against the background of hypercholesterolemia induced with high fatty diet. PTX (68.90 mg/kg/day), LG with three dosages (2.58, 8.14, 25.80 g/kg/day) was orally administrated to VaD rats, respectively. The NVC sensitivity was defined as the ratio of the microcirculative cerebral blood velocity (CBV) to the electroencephalograph (EEG) before and after penicillin stimulation. Behavioral performance, pathological changes of brain and oxidation related molecules were detected to assess the effects of LG on VaD. RESULTS: LG exhibited beneficial effects on the VaD, which was demonstrated as improved exploratory, learning and memory abilities, relieved vascular or neural pathological changes in cerebral cortex or hippocampus. LG maintained NVC sensitivity, which was confirmed as significantly increased ΔCBV and the elevated ratio of ΔCBV/ΔqEEG. The underlying mechanisms of LG was associated with antioxidant effects, which was confirmed as significantly decreased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2 (NOX2) expression, and increased superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) expression. LG also reduced iNOS, increased nNOS and eNOS expression to restore NO bioavailability. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that LG prevented VaD may associate with inhibiting oxidative stress, protecting NO bioavailability, and then maintaining NVC sensitivity.

Oral spray containing plant-derived compounds is effective against common oral pathogens.

OBJECTIVES: Plant-derived compounds are a good source of therapeutic agents and inhibitors of inflammatory process. Dental caries, periodontal diseases and candidiasis are common oral infections caused by virulent biofilms. The objectives of this study were to develop oral spray containing plant-derived compounds; α-mangostin (α-MG) and/or lawsone methyl ether (2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) (LME) and determine its antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and anti-inflammatory activities. DESIGN: Oral spray formulations were prepared containing α-MG (5 mg/ml) and/or LME (250 µg/ml). Antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, and Porphyromonas gingivalis and anti-biofilm formation activities were determined as well as cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects. RESULTS: The oral spray demonstrated antimicrobial activity against all three of the oral pathogens tested with stronger effects on C. albicans and S. mutans than P. gingivalis. The formulation containing α-MG (2.5 mg/ml) and LME (125 ug/ml) reduced growth of the microorganisms about 1-2 Log CFU/ml at 1-3 h and the killing effects were complete at 24 h. Based on biofilm assay, the oral spray containing both α-MG and LME showed greater inhibitory effects than those with α-MG or LME. In addition, the oral spray containing both α-MG and LME demonstrated more inhibition of nitric oxide production than α-MG alone. All the formulations were safe and demonstrated greater anti-inflammatory activity at lower concentration (<6.25 µg/ml) than at a higher concentration. CONCLUSION: Oral spray containing α-MG and/or LME is effective against common oral pathogens without significant cytotoxicity. Thus, it has the potential to prevent the infections and may serve as adjunctive treatment to conventional therapy.

Extract of Spatholobus suberctus Dunn ameliorates ischemia-induced injury by targeting miR-494.

Cerebral stroke is a leading cause of death and permanent disability. The current therapeutic outcome of ischemic stroke (>85% of all strokes) is very poor, thus novel therapeutic drug is urgently needed. In vitro cell model of ischemia was established by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and in vivo animal model of ischemia was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The effects of Spatholobus suberctus Dunn extract (SSCE) on OGD-induced cell injury, MCAO-induced neural injury and miR-494 level were all evaluated. The possible target genes were virtually screened utilizing bioinformatics and verified by luciferase assay. Subsequently, the effects of abnormally expressed miR-494 on OGD-induced cell injury and target gene expression were determined. Additionally, whether SSCE affected target gene expression through modulation of miR-494 was studied. Finally, the effects of aberrantly expressed Sox8 on OGD-induced injury and signaling pathways were estimated. SSCE reduced OGD-induced cell injury and ameliorated MCAO-induced neuronal injury, along with down-regulation of miR-494. Then, OGD-induced cell injury was increased by miR-494 overexpression but decreased by miR-494 silence. Sox8 was a target gene of miR-494, and SSCE could up-regulate Sox8 expression via down-regulating miR-494. Afterwards, OGD-induced cell injury was proved to be increased by Sox8 inhibition but reduced by Sox8 overexpression. Finally, OGD-induced inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways was further inhibited by Sox8 silence but activated by Sox8 overexpression. SSCE ameliorates ischemia-induced injury both in vitro and in vivo by miR-494-mediated modulation of Sox8, involving activations of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways.

Potencial cicatricial da Bixa orellana L. em feridas cutâneas: estudo em modelo experimental / Therapeutic potential of Bixa orellana L. in skin wounds: a study in the rat model of open wound healing

O uso de fitoterápicos é uma alternativa de baixo custo e de fácil acesso para o tratamento de feridas cutâneas. Objetivou-se avaliar a ação do extrato oleoso de urucum na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas abertas. Inicialmente, identificaram-se os principais ácidos graxos do óleo de urucum. Foi realizado ensaio citotóxico para determinar as concentrações a serem utilizadas no ensaio in vivo. No experimento, feridas cutâneas em ratos Wistar foram diariamente tratadas com: extrato de urucum 0,1% (U 0,1%), extrato de urucum 0,01% (U 0,01%), vaselina (V) e solução fisiológica (SF), por até 21 dias. Aos quatro, sete, 14 e 21 dias, foi avaliada clinicamente a presença de exsudato, crosta e epitelização. Determinaram-se as áreas da lesão, e amostras de pele, fígado e rins foram coletadas para avalição histológica. Aos 21dias, amostras de pele foram coletadas para análise tensiométrica. Clinicamente, todos os grupos de tratamento apresentaram evolução cicatricial fisiológica. Os grupos U 0,1% e U 0,01% apresentaram maior presença de epitelização aos sete dias e maior retração cicatricial aos quatro dias. Na histologia, U 0,1% e U 0,01% apresentaram aos quatro e sete dias maior quantidade de fibrina e inflamação que V e SF, e, nos demais momentos, não houve diferenças entre os grupos. Quanto à fase cicatricial, aos quatro dias todos os grupos encontravam-se na fase inflamatória, aos sete dias U 0,1% e U 0,01% permaneciam na fase inflamatória, diferindo de SF e V, que se caracterizavam na fase proliferativa. Aos 14 dias, os grupos apresentavam-se em transição de fase proliferativa para maturação e, aos 21dias, estavam todos na fase de maturação. Os grupos tratados com urucum expressaram menor resistência à tensão que V e SF. Concluiu-se com este estudo que o extrato oleoso de urucum acelera o processo cicatricial nos primeiros dias, mas proporciona uma cicatriz de baixa qualidade.

Phytotherapies are a low cost, easily accessible alternative to traditional medicines in wound healing management. The purpose of this study was to assess the oil extract of Bixa orellana L. as a healing agent in the rat model of open wound healing. Initially, the oil was obtained and characterized through gas chromatography. Furthermore, the cytotoxic potential of the oil was verified in cell cultures to determine the doses used in animal experiments. Wounds were surgically produced in Wistar rats, these were treated with the oil extract at 0.1% (U 0.1%), 0.01% (U 0.01%), petrol jelly (V) and saline (SF) for up to 21 days. At four, seven and 14 days of treatment the wounds were assessed clinically regarding the presence of exudate, crust and epithelialization. The wound area was also determined and skin, kidney and liver tissues were harvested for histopathology. At 21 days of treatment the skins were also harvested for tension resistance assessment. Clinically, all groups evolved similarly, however, those treated with U 0.1% and U 0.01% had a greater amount of epithelialized wounds by day seven, and grater shrinkage by day four. Histopathologicaly, the skin samples of oil treated wounds had more lesions in the inflammatory phase at seven days, when compared to the controls, which were majorly in the proliferation phase. By 14 days no difference was observed among groups, which were all in the transition from the proliferation to the maturation phase. By day 21, all wounds were in the maturation phase. Oil treated wounds also had more fibrin in the first two assessment dates, when compared to the controls. Tension resistance of the oil treated wounds was, however, inferior to that of the controls. This study shows that B. orellana L. oil will hasten the onset of the healing process and its initial phases, but will ultimately produce a scar of poorer quality.

Consumption of Mesona chinensis attenuates postprandial glucose and improves antioxidant status induced by a high carbohydrate meal in overweight subjects.

Edible plants constitute a potential source for controlling postprandial hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to investigate in vitro antioxidant and intestinal α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of Mesona chinensis (MC). In addition, the acute effect of MC on postprandial glucose and plasma antioxidant status after the consumption of a high carbohydrate (HC) meal by overweight subjects was also determined. The results showed that total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the extract were 212.37 ± 5.64 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dried extract and 23.44 ± 2.50 mg catechin equivalents/g dried extract, respectively. MC extract markedly inhibited the intestinal maltase and sucrose with the IC50 values of 4.66 ± 0.22 mg/mL and 1.30 ± 0.43 mg/mL, respectively. However, MC extract had no inhibitory activity against pancreatic α-amylase. In addition, MC extract had antioxidant properties including DPPH radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity (SRSA), hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (HRSA), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and ferrous ion cheating activity (FICP). The significant decrease in postprandial plasma glucose, triglyceride and malondialdehyde levels, and the increase in plasma antioxidant capacity (FRAP and ORAC) were observed in overweight subjects receiving a HC meal together with MC extract (1 g). The finding supports that MC helps normalize and enhance antioxidant defense induced by a HC meal, suggesting that MC may have the potential for the prevention of chronic conditions and diseases associated with overweight and obesity.

Protective effect of aqueous garlic extract against lead-induced hepatic injury in rats.

Effect of aqueous extract of garlic on hepatic injury due to lead-induced oxidative stress in experimental rats has been investigated. Lead acetate (LA) at a dose of 15 mg/kg body wt was administered ip to rats for 7 consecutive days to induce hepatic injury. Freshly prepared aqueous garlic extract (AGE) at a dose of 50 mg/kg body wt was fed orally to rats 1 h before LA treatment for similar period. LA treatment caused hepatic injury as evident from increased activities of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), increased serum bilirubin level and damage in the tissue morphology. Lead-induced oxidative stress in liver was evident from increased levels of lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione. The decreased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and an increased activity of catalase as well as an increased activity of xanthine oxidase (XO) indicate generation and possible accumulation of reactive oxygen intermediates. Furthermore, altered activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), alpha-keto glutarate dehydrogenase (alpha-KGDH) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) also indicate an impaired substrate utilization and generation of oxidative stress. All these changes were found to be mitigated when the rats were pre-treated with the AGE. Results indicate that AGE has the potential to ameliorate lead-induced hepatic injury due to oxidative stress in rats. The protective effects may be due to the antioxidant properties of AGE and may have future therapeutic relevance.

Absolute configuration of podophyllotoxin related lignans from Bursera fagaroides using vibrational circular dichroism.

The ethanol extract from the dried exudate of Bursera fagaroides (Burseraceae) showed significant cytotoxic activity in the HT-29 (human colon adenocarcinoma) test system. The extract provided four podophyllotoxin related lignans, identified as (7'R,8R,8'R)-(-)-deoxypodophyllotoxin (3), (7'R,8R,8'R)-(-)-morelensin (4), (8R,8'R)-(-)-yatein (5), and (8R,8'R)-(-)-5'-desmethoxyyatein (6), whose spectroscopic and chiroptical properties were compared with those of (7R,7'R,8R,8'R)-(-)-podophyllotoxin (1) and its acetyl derivative (2). Their absolute configurations were assigned by comparison of the vibrational circular dichroism spectra of 1 and 3 with those obtained by density functional theory calculations.

The toothbrush plant.

The toothbrush plant is a low-growing shrub that is found throughout Africa and the Middle East. It is used by the native peoples as a chew stick for cleaning their teeth. When the end of the wood is chewed, it becomes frayed and can be used as a natural brush that delivers therapeutic minerals and chemicals, present in the wood fiber to the teeth and gingiva. The use of this wood for oral care could be a great benefit to people in industrialized nations.

Viability of human fibroblasts in coconut water as a storage medium.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of a new storage medium for avulsed teeth, coconut water, in maintaining the viability of human fibroblasts. METHODOLOGY: Cell viability after different time periods was evaluated in the following storage media: coconut water, coconut water with sodium bicarbonate, milk, saline and still mineral water. Human fibroblasts were seeded in Eagle's minimal essential medium (EMEM) supplemented with 7.5% foetal calf serum. After trypsinisation, 100 microL of culture medium containing approximately 10(4) cells mL(-1) were collected and pipetted into the wells of 96-well plates, which were incubated overnight in 5% CO(2) and 95% air mixture at 37 degrees C. EMEM was then replaced by the storage media and the plates were incubated at 37 degrees C for 1, 2 and 4 h. Cell viability was determined using the neutral red assay. The proportions of viable cells after exposure to the storage media were analysed statistically by anova and the least significant difference (LSD) test (alpha = 5%). RESULTS: Milk had the greatest capacity to maintain cell viability (P < 0.05), followed by coconut water with sodium bicarbonate and saline. Coconut water was significantly worse at maintaining cell viability compared to milk, coconut water with sodium bicarbonate and saline. The smallest number of viable cells was observed for mineral water (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Coconut water was worse than milk in maintaining human fibroblast cell viability.

Cardioprotective effect of 'Marutham' a polyherbal formulation on isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats.

Myocardial infarction is the number one killer disease in many parts of the world. The cardioprotective effect of Marutham, a polyherbal formulation on serum and heart tissue lipids, serum lipoproteins and heart membrane bound enzymes in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction was studied in Wistar rats. Pretreatment with Marutham at different doses of 30, 60 and 90 mg kg(-1) to isoproterenol treated rats significantly prevented the altered lipid profile and membrane bound enzymes to near normal status. The results of our study showed the cardioprotective potential of Marutham on isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction in rats.